House of Earth and Blood
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter Forty-Three
Overview
Bryce and Hunt visit the wolves' Den to question Sabine about Danika's connection to the stolen Horn. After enduring hostility from Amelie Ravenscroft and a painful reunion with Connor's embittered brother Ithan, they confront Sabine, who denies Danika was at Luna's Temple and shows no surprise at the kristallos demon's name—both reactions confirming their suspicions. Ithan warns Bryce that Sabine wants her dead, further implicating the wolf leader, while Bryce's unresolved guilt over Connor nearly overwhelms her.
Summary
Bryce and Hunt arrive at the wolves' Den in Moonwood to confront Sabine about Danika's murder. At the gate, they are met by Amelie Ravenscroft, the Alpha of the Black Rose Pack, who antagonizes Bryce with cruel remarks about her past sexual behavior and implies Bryce's texting distracted Danika the night of her death. Hunt defuses the confrontation by pointing out the wolf pups nearby and threatening to return with a warrant, forcing Amelie to radio for escort.
Ithan Holstrom, Connor's younger brother and Amelie's Second, arrives to guide them inside. Bryce is overwhelmed with guilt and grief at seeing Ithan, remembering how she never responded to his desperate calls and messages after Connor's murder. Ithan had left her a series of audiomails that progressed from panicked grief to cold fury after learning she'd hooked up with a stranger the same night Connor confessed his feelings and was killed. Ithan treats Bryce with icy hostility throughout their walk through the Den.
When they reach Sabine's office, Hunt explains they're investigating Danika's movements before her death and mentions the kristallos demon by name—a detail not yet public—to gauge Sabine's reaction. Sabine shows no surprise at the demon's breed, suggesting prior familiarity. When Bryce claims Danika was stationed at Luna's Temple the night the Horn was stolen, Sabine flatly denies it, contradicting the evidence they have. This lie confirms Bryce and Hunt's suspicions about Sabine's involvement. Sabine grows aggressive, demanding to know who gave them the information and attacking Bryce's character. Bryce feigns submission and retreats.
On the way out, Bryce warns Ithan that the murders are happening again and to keep his pack safe. Ithan remains cold but says he'll pass along anything he hears. In the reception hall, Bryce encounters Danika's grandfather, the Prime of the wolves, whose sad, kind expression nearly breaks her. Outside, Ithan catches up and warns Bryce that Sabine wants her dead—another indirect confirmation of Sabine's guilt. Bryce snaps back that Connor would be ashamed of Ithan for letting Amelie be his Alpha. Ithan tells Bryce never to say Connor's name again, and Hunt steers Bryce away as Amelie and her pack hurl insults from the gate.
Who Appears
- Bryce QuinlanHalf-Fae protagonist who confronts Sabine at the Den, overwhelmed by grief and guilt over Connor and Danika.
- Hunt AthalarFallen angel and Bryce's partner who provides tactical support, defuses confrontations, and subtly comforts Bryce.
- Sabine FendyrDanika's mother and powerful wolf leader who denies Danika's presence at Luna's Temple and shows suspicious familiarity with the kristallos.
- Ithan HolstromConnor's younger brother and Amelie's Second who guides Bryce through the Den with cold hostility, then warns her Sabine wants her dead.
- Amelie RavenscroftAlpha of the Black Rose Pack who cruelly taunts Bryce and implies her texting distracted Danika the night of her death.
- The PrimeDanika's elderly grandfather and leader of the wolves who gives Bryce a sad, kind smile in the reception hall.